Environment

The Environmental Science Center (ESC) will be reaching students and families through out-of-school science education thanks to a $10,000 grant from Google.

Google awarded ESC this grant to provide after-school, school-break, and summer programs at schools, low-income apartment complexes, and community centers in South King County.

“We strive to close the academic achievement gap that often exists for low-income students who do not have equal access to enrichment programs to enhance their learning,” says Caroline Bobanick, Executive Director of the Environmental Science Center.

For these out-of-school programs, ESC works with several social service organizations to engage their students and families including New Futures, Community Schools Collaboration, Neighborhood House, and Para los Niños.

The city of Burien also works with ESC to provide STEM education at programs such as Gym Jams and Camp Craz.

12/12/2012

Press release:

State Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D –Des Moines) will continue to serve as chairman of the House Environment committee for the 2013 legislative session.

Every two years, committee structure and chairmanships in the state House undergo a reorganization process.

As in years past, the House Environment committee will continue to consider issues relating to air quality, aquatic lands, oil spill prevention, recycling and solid waste, hazardous waste, toxics, and climate change, as well as overseeing the Puget Sound Partnership’s activities.

Additionally – and new for the coming year – the committee will also be responsible for all energy-related issues, including renewable energy standards and energy availability, production and conservation.

“Energy and environmental issues have a lot of overlap, so this shift makes sense,” Upthegrove said. “Washington state is already a national leader in promoting energy technologies that both spur economic growth and help protect the quality of life we all cherish.”

12/10/2012

Port of Seattle press release:

The Port of Seattle Commission approved Wednesday, Dec. 5 an aggressive 25-year program that positions the port as a leader to help create 100,000 new jobs in the region while reducing the port’s environmental footprint.

“We established bold, achievable goals for the port and regional stakeholders in our Century Agenda,” said John Creighton, Port of Seattle commissioner. “It builds on the 100 plus year role the port has played in creating economic growth for the Puget Sound region and the state of Washington. The Commission thanks the hundreds of citizens who worked with us to a set a path forward for the next 25 years.”

“As commissioners, we’re getting to work, contributing resources and joining teams to pursue these new initiatives,” said Tom Albro, Port of Seattle commissioner. “We look forward to working with stakeholders throughout the region to accomplish the goals of the Century Agenda.”

12/05/2012

Press release:

Since 2008, volunteers in Walker Preserve have removed large amounts of invasive plants and planted many native trees and shrubs. You can help – no experience is required! We will be removing ivy – making sure the trees can continue to grow. Ivy removal is easiest at this time of year, when the ground is moist, and other plants are dormant

The Environmental Science Center (ESC) would like to invite the public to join us for this free ONCE A YEAR event at the Environmental Science Center at Seahurst Park. An After-Hours Beach Walk will take place Friday, December 14th, 2012 from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

An especially low tide combined with the protective darkness of night will give you the opportunity to see marine animals in a new light- your FLASHLIGHT! Naturalists will be taking groups from the Environmental Science Center down to the beach to guide the experience and identify discoveries. Inside the center, you can learn more about marine life at the microscope station or join a game of marine bingo. Warm up with cider and cookies while socializing with fellow Puget Sound enthusiasts.

A few friendly pointers and reminders:
- Dress warmly
- Wear rubber boots
- Bring a flashlight
- Do No Harm
-Touch animals gently with a wet finger
- Watch where you step
- Leave rocks bigger than your fist where they are (don’t flip over)
- Save the Children
- Leave ALL animals and shells where you find them (don’t take them home)
- Pass It On

11/14/2012

One City Council member really wants SeaTac to live up to its motto as the “Hospitality City.”

Rick Forschler proposed Oct. 23 that city residents share their homes with airline employees that are laid over in SeaTac during the holidays.

Forschler even gave out his cell phone number, 206-419-5170, for residents interested in his project.

He said pilots, flight attendants and other airline employees are often staying in SeaTac hotels away from their families during holiday periods. He noted residents could be become better neighbors and friends by inviting the employees to spend the holiday with them.

He said the idea came to him as he pondered requests to the council for city funds to put on Angle Lake fireworks displays on Independence Day. The council has appropriated $10,000 annually for several years to help fund the display.

Forschler said he is opposed to using city money for the display but would organize voluntary fundraising efforts. He noted no one has taken him up on his offer.

He said that got him thinking g about the city’s “core competency,” which he described as the airport and related businesses.

10/25/2012

Press release:

Since 2008, volunteers in Walker Preserve have removed large amounts of invasive plants and planted many native trees and shrubs. You can help – no experience is required! This weekend we will be planting about 90 native plants in places where dense ivy was removed.

When: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m

Where: Walker Preserve park, SW. 168th St. and 2nd Ave. SW. in Normandy Park, up the road from Normandy Park City Hall. If driving, your parking options include:
Three spaces in the small lot at SW 171st St. and Second Ave. S.W.
On the street along SW. 168th St

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please plan ahead - this park does not have a restroom.

From the gate behind the Walker Preserve sign, walk down the trail towards the creek.

Activities:

10/18/2012

Press release:

Since 2008, volunteers in Walker Preserve have removed large amounts of invasive plants and planted many native trees and shrubs. You can help – no experience is required! This weekend we will be planting about 90 native plants in places where dense ivy was removed.
When: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m

Where: Walker Preserve park, SW. 168th St. and 2nd Ave. SW. in Normandy Park, up the road from Normandy Park City Hall. If driving, your parking options include:
Three spaces in the small lot at SW 171st St. and Second Ave. S.W.
On the street along SW. 168th St

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please plan ahead - this park does not have a restroom.

From the gate behind the Walker Preserve sign, walk down the trail towards the creek.

Activities:

10/15/2012

Press release:

Since 2008, volunteers in Walker Preserve have removed large amounts of invasive plants and planted many native trees and shrubs. Walker Preserve is in the City of Normandy Park, along Walker Creek. You can help restore native vegetation along the creek to benefit salmon and other wildlife.

Please join us this Saturday, September 22, to continue this work!

This stewardship project is a joint effort of the City of Normandy Park, and the Miller and Walker Creeks Stewardship program.

Address: SW. 168th St. and 2nd Ave. SW. in Normandy Park, up the road from Normandy Park City Hall. If driving, your parking options include:
Three spaces in the small lot at SW 171st St. and Second Ave. S.W.
On the street along SW. 168th St.

Date/Time: Saturday, September 22, 2012, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please plan ahead - this park does not have a restroom.

Activities:
· Seek out English ivy and remove it from trees and pull roots out of the ground. Seek out Himalayan blackberry plants, cut them back, and then dig out the root balls.
What to bring: